Archive for November, 2006
An M-J 4U
posted by: shoesense in Arche Shoes, Flats
| If you, like me, are a Mary Jane afficionado, you may, again, like me, love these Arche ‘Vital’ black leather Mary Janes, with wide nubuck strap and oversized buckle. The price, as is often the case with Arche shoes, stings ($329), but at least you can be guaranteed superb quality and workmanship and a high level of comfort. I particularly like the mixed-leather twist, which is somewhat unusual for Arche, a brand that, of late, has relied heavily on nubuck. Arche also prides itself with using supple 100% natural Latex soles made of Havea milk (Lactae Hevea), which provides a type of natural comfort that’s supposed to be good for you. For more information about the history, concept, and manufacturing of Arche shoes (made in France), click here. | |
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Paul Green Goes Western
posted by: shoesense in Boots, Paul Green Shoes
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These Princewestern-flair boots from Paul Green are currently 61% off on Zappos, going for about $143–which would be 143 of your best-spent bucks, especially if you’re into the current Western-craze. I confess I’m not–I can’t pull off cowboy boots or hats, heavy buckles, or suede fringes of any sort, though I thoroughly admire those who do it with style. And style is at the forefront with these boots, in a combination of suede and croc leather upper, and a user-friendly 2" heel. I crave them so much I might as well give up my stylistic allegiances (which veer kind of all over the place but definitely away from Western). It also doesn’t hurt that from my personal experience, Paul Green is a brand well-worth investing in. I have a pair of summer slides with a 1 3/4" heel, which is basically my most comfortable and versatile summer shoe. This European designer understands two things: comfort and quality. Those slides are superbly constructed and have the best arch support. They are definitely meant for walking, as are these beautiful boots. |
Anatomy of a high heel
posted by: shoesense in General, High heels
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It’s art like this that I, for reasons I don’t care to question, would feel compelled to hang on my walls. The price tag on this one, however, will keep me in check. Why, for that price, I can buy a few comfortable pairs |
Isn’t this a Heal your Heel Obsession
posted by: shoesense in General, High heels
There is a growing mythology surrounding high heels, most of which has been perpetuated and reinforced by the famed Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City. The power that the spike/stiletto heel (3" and higher) is supposed to have is nothing short than magical: makes the wearer thinner, more elegant, more feminine, sexier, more seductive, mysterious, sophisticated, powerful, assertive, desirable, flirtatious, available, pretty, etc. etc. etc. The absurdity of having women teetering perilously on flimsy sticks with confining toeboxes that are supposed to streamline the silhouette but in reality restrict blood flow, is apparently lost in the shadow of these many beneficial but largely fictitious consequences. The whole physical (and financial!) abuse issue and numerous health consequences (bad knees, spine, feet, bunions, hammer toes, etc.) also pale in comparison to the ultimate prize, which is, I presume, projecting a super-sexualized, ultra-feminine image of oneself–right?
I am, and have always been, deeply suspicious of claims that high heels (spike heels in particular) are ‘pretty comfortable,’ or indeed, integral to one’s walking comfort. I used to wear them every once in a while, back when I didn’t know any better, and every single time they made me supremely miserable if I had to walk for more than a block in them. I know numerous women who can’t be persuaded to wear them for even that long. And I know numerous women who just suffer quietly through miserable evenings out in their glamorous shoes–as if suffering is an integral part of fashion, something they must stoically endure in order to garner the societal approval that they so crave, and by that, I mean primarily men’s approval.
In all the photographs and movies I’ve seen featuring Audrey Hepburn, one of the undisputed fashion idols of all time, I’ve always seen her wear low-heels, ballet flats, kitten heels at best. If you could, by a miracle, meet her, would you think of her as  anything less than glamorous, beautiful, mysterious, seductive, sexy, wonderful from each and every point of view? I didn’t think so. And you’d be correct to assume that that’s because of her personality, mind, talent, beauty, and impeccable taste, and not because of the height and shape of her shoe heels.
My point, as always: by stylish, by all means! Clothes are a big part of who we are and how we choose to present ourselves to the world–BUT be comfortable doing so, and don’t kid yourself that some shoes are ‘actually pretty comfy’–when in reality, they’re only pretty comfy compared to the prospect of, I don’t know, live birth, or disembowelment. 
I leave you with this hilarious video on YouTube–one of the funnier takes on high heels I’ve seen in a long time. Enjoy!
Oh, que Belle!
posted by: shoesense in Pumps, Sigerson Morrison Shoes
Why do I love these luscious, festive pumps? Let me count the ways. Red metallic supple leather, shiny and bright but not too shiny and bright.  Interesting criss-cross vamp with bow detail. Elegant shape and delicate pointy toe. Low, manageable heel. Quality by Sigerson Morrison. Sale price (35%) by Zappos. What’s not to love? They will make a fabulous addition to your wardrobe and you’ll be the envy of any Christmas party, and then some.  The only drawback? They don’t come in my size–at least not on Zappos. Dang!
 
